A collection of essays by female horror writers exploring portrayals of diabolical mothers in both modern and classic horror films.

The concept of motherhood, often idealized as the epitome of unconditional love and nurturing, has been twisted and perverted in various cinematic works to explore darker, more complex human dynamics. Diabolical Motherhood, a collection of essays by the most notable women in the horror genre, delves into the portrayal of twisted mothers in films, from classics such as 1976 adaption of Stephen King's Carrie to modern classics like Lee Cronin's 2023 remake Evil Dead Rise. Each essayist will analyze how the depiction of motherhood and evil in their particular film depict and challenge traditional notions of maternal virtue and highlight the multifaceted nature of mother-child relationships.

Led by Bram Stoker, Shirley Jackson Award and two-time World Fantasy Award winning editor and acclaimed film professor Danel Olson, the essayists introduce readers to traditional portrayals of mothers in film and literature, establishing a baseline for understanding how diabolical motherhood deviates from the norm. Essays include an in-depth analysis of Margaret White in Brian De Palma's Carrie, examining how religious fanaticism and oppressive control manifest in a diabolical maternal figure. Bram Stoker Award and Nebula Award winner of Linghun, Ai Jiang explores diabolical mothers in non-western cinema with her essay on Iris K. Shim's 2022 Korean American film Umma, starring Sandra Oh.

From a historical overview tracing the evolution of malevolent maternal figures in cinema, from early depictions of wicked stepmothers in fairy tales to the complex, to multifaceted monstrous matriarchs of contemporary films, these essays explore the psychological underpinnings of diabolical motherhood, drawing on author's personal experiences, anecdotes, and research to understand the motivations and mental states driving these characters in a wide range of horror films. The essays offer a deeper understanding of how cinema reflects and shapes our perceptions of motherhood, morality, and power. A must-read for horror aficionados.